Glyphosate disrupts hormones during pregnancy
Glyphosate disrupts hormones during pregnancy. Frequent exposure to glyphosate and its derivative, aminomethylphosphonic acid, has been observed in pregnant women. These substances, which are widespread in the environment, are suspected of acting as endocrine disruptors, meaning they can interfere with the hormonal system. A study conducted among 752 pregnant women in Puerto Rico revealed links between their presence in urine and significant changes in essential hormone levels during pregnancy.
The results show that each increase in exposure to these compounds is associated with a notable decrease in estriol concentrations, a key hormone for fetal development and maintaining pregnancy. Estriol, produced in large quantities by the placenta, plays a central role in regulating uterine blood flow and fetal growth. A 10.6% reduction in this hormone was observed with increased aminomethylphosphonic acid, while glyphosate led to an 8.3% decrease. These declines could affect the proper course of pregnancy and the child’s development.
At the same time, aminomethylphosphonic acid is also linked to a 4% increase in triiodothyronine, a thyroid hormone. Late in pregnancy, this substance also causes a 7.9% increase in thyroid-stimulating hormone, while glyphosate raises corticotropin-releasing hormone levels by 9.5%. This hormone is involved in stress and the onset of labor. These disruptions suggest that glyphosate and its derivative act on multiple hormonal axes, including those related to estrogens, the thyroid, and stress.
The effects vary depending on the sex of the fetus. Estriol disruptions are more pronounced in women carrying a girl, with a decrease of up to 16.1%. Conversely, the increase in triiodothyronine is more marked in those expecting a boy, with a 5.3% rise. These differences indicate that the sex of the unborn child may influence sensitivity to endocrine disruptors.
Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide worldwide, present in many agricultural, residential, and industrial products. Once released into the environment, it degrades into aminomethylphosphonic acid, a stable compound that accumulates in soil, water, and food. Pregnant women are primarily exposed to it through food, contaminated water, or inhalation of airborne particles. These substances have been detected in 75 to 95% of urine samples from pregnant women in North America, raising concerns about their health effects during this critical period.
Endocrine disruptors, such as glyphosate, act by interfering with the production, transport, or action of hormones. Even at low doses, they can have significant effects, particularly during sensitive periods like pregnancy. The hormones studied—such as estriol, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid hormones, and stress-related hormones—are essential for maintaining pregnancy, regulating fetal development, and preparing for childbirth. Even minor imbalances can lead to growth delays, premature birth, or long-term health consequences for the child.
Previous animal studies have already shown that glyphosate can inhibit a key enzyme, aromatase, responsible for converting androgens into estrogens. This could explain the observed decrease in estriol in exposed women. Additionally, research has revealed that glyphosate disrupts the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis, which regulates thyroid hormone production, as well as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, involved in stress management. These mechanisms could explain the observed increases in triiodothyronine and thyroid-stimulating hormone, as well as corticotropin-releasing hormone.
The findings of this study highlight the importance of protecting pregnant women from excessive exposure to glyphosate and its derivatives. Given their widespread presence and potential health effects, precautionary measures are necessary to reduce risks during this crucial period of fetal development.
Glyphosate disrupts hormones during pregnancy. Glyphosate and its derivative, aminomethylphosphonic acid, are chemical substances widely present in the environment. A study conducted among 752 pregnant women in Puerto Rico revealed that these compounds, often found in the urine of pregnant women, are associated with hormonal disruptions during pregnancy.
The results show that each increase in exposure to aminomethylphosphonic acid is linked to a 10.6% decrease in estriol levels, an essential hormone for fetal development and a healthy pregnancy. Glyphosate, on the other hand, leads to an 8.3% decrease in this same hormone. Estriol, produced by the placenta, plays a key role in regulating uterine blood flow and the baby’s growth. A reduction in these levels could therefore have consequences for the health of the mother and child.
Aminomethylphosphonic acid is also associated with a 4% increase in triiodothyronine, a thyroid hormone. Late in pregnancy, this substance also causes a 7.9% increase in thyroid-stimulating hormone, while glyphosate raises corticotropin-releasing hormone levels by 9.5%. This hormone is involved in stress and the onset of labor. These disruptions indicate that glyphosate and its derivative act on multiple hormonal systems, including those related to estrogens, the thyroid, and stress.
The effects vary depending on the sex of the fetus. Estriol decreases are more pronounced in women carrying a girl, with a reduction of up to 16.1%. Conversely, the increase in triiodothyronine is more marked in those expecting a boy, with a 5.3% rise. These differences suggest that the sex of the unborn child may influence sensitivity to endocrine disruptors.
Glyphosate is a herbicide widely used in agriculture, gardens, and industrial spaces. Once released into the environment, it degrades into aminomethylphosphonic acid, a stable compound that accumulates in soil, water, and food. Pregnant women are primarily exposed to it through food, contaminated water, or inhalation of airborne particles. These substances have been detected in a large majority of urine samples from pregnant women, raising concerns about their health effects during this critical period.
Endocrine disruptors, such as glyphosate, act by interfering with the production, transport, or action of hormones. Even at low doses, they can have significant effects, particularly during sensitive periods like pregnancy. The hormones studied—such as estriol, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid hormones, and stress-related hormones—are essential for maintaining pregnancy, regulating fetal development, and preparing for childbirth. Even minor imbalances can lead to growth delays, premature birth, or long-term health consequences for the child.
Animal studies have already shown that glyphosate can block a key enzyme, aromatase, responsible for converting male hormones into female hormones. This could explain the observed decrease in estriol in exposed women. Additionally, research has revealed that glyphosate disrupts the systems that regulate thyroid hormones and stress-related hormones. These mechanisms could explain the observed increases in certain hormones in this study.
These findings highlight the importance of protecting pregnant women from excessive exposure to glyphosate and its derivatives. Given their widespread presence and potential health effects, precautionary measures are necessary to reduce risks during this crucial period of fetal development.
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Cited Publication
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41370-026-00902-6
Title: Glyphosate exposure and hormonal disruption in pregnancy: evidence from a birth cohort in Puerto Rico
Journal: Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Authors: Mislael A. Valentín-Cortés; Amber L. Cathey; Haley M. Jenkins; Jennifer Fernandez; Zaira Rosario Pabón; Carmen M. Vélez Vega; José F. Cordero; Akram Alshawabkeh; Deborah J. Watkins; John D. Meeker